Whispers of the Volga. Seven Translated Russian Fables, Tales, and Stories in English

Translator Utkarsh Dixit

© Lev Tolstoy, 2024

ISBN 978-5-0062-1345-6

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

Preface

Literature is a mirror of society but each language is limited in its social, political and geographical boundaries. Due to which people of one language are not able to see the picture of the society of the other language in the mirror of literature. Therefore, with the help of translation, one can see the literary mirror of another language. Russian literature is very unique in itself.So translation is necessary to convey that uniqueness to the people of other languages.

I am thrilled to present this collection of seven enchanting Russian fables, tales, and stories. This journey into the realms of Russian storytelling has been a labor of love, and it is with great excitement that I share these translated gems with English-speaking readers.

This collection spans a diverse array of tales, from the whimsical to the profound, showing the rich storytelling tradition that has captivated generations. The fables, with their anthropomorphic characters and moral lessons, offer a glimpse into the wisdom embedded in Russian culture. Meanwhile, the tales transport readers to fantastical realms inhabited by mythical creatures, weaving a tapestry of imagination and reality.

Translating these stories from Russian to English has been a rewarding endeavor, albeit one fraught with challenges. The delicate task of preserving the essence and cultural nuances of the original texts required a deep understanding of both languages and a profound appreciation for the subtleties of Russian literature. Each word and phrase was meticulously chosen to convey not just the literal meaning, but also the soul of the narrative.

My mother, Mrs. Manju Dixit and father, Mr. Jai Gopal Dixit in whom I see the image of God, contributed to this book by giving away the quality time they could have spent with me. Although this book is a treat for the English speaking readers but it is also an outcome of the supreme sacrifice of time by my parents and my elder brother Mr. Durgesh Dixit.

I extend my gratitude to Miss Marina Polakova who guided me through the intricacies of Russian language and literature. Their insights and encouragement were invaluable in navigating the complexities of translation and in capturing the essence of these tales.

I invite readers to embark on this literary voyage, where Russian storytelling meets the English language. May these tales, with their timeless wisdom and captivating narratives, bridge cultures and evoke a sense of wonder. It is my sincere hope that this collection serves as a window into the enchanting world of Russian folklore and sparks a newfound appreciation for the universal language of storytelling.

– Mr. Utkarsh Dixit

utkarshdixit.russia@yandex.ru

1.LITTLE GIRL AND MUSHROOMS

Two girls were walking home and carrying mushrooms from the forest. They had to cross the railway tracks. They thought the train was still far away, so they crossed the tracks. Suddenly the train came into view. The older girl ran back, and the younger girl dropped the mushrooms and started to pick them up. The train was very close. The older girl shouted: “Drop the mushrooms! Run!

But the little girl did not hear and continued to collect them. The driver, unable to stop the train, ran over the little girl.

The older girl screamed and cried. Passengers were watching from the windows of the wagons. When the train passed, everyone saw that the girl was lying face down between the rails and did not move.

After a while, the girl raised her head, jumped to her feet, picked mushrooms and ran to her sister.

2.A PEASANT AND WATER’S GOD

A peasant dropped his ax into the river. He sat down on the bank and began to cry.

The waterman heard, took pity on the peasant, got him a golden ax

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